Christmas Gadget Guide The best tech gifts under $100

Christmas Gadget Guide The best tech gifts under $100

When you read the words “technology gifts,” you probably see images of an empty, sad bank account. Guess what? It doesn’t have to be that way. You can get some really cool tech gifts for less than $100. Read on and I’ll prove it.

PLAY IT

iPod Shuffle

These days, most people use their phones as their music players. But if you have one of those rare non-smartphone-owning people in the house or know someone who wants something to use while working out, a minimalist iPod Shuffle ($49 at Apple) would be a smart and affordable choice. It comes in fun colors, shown above left, and holds enough music to let your fitness friend break a sweat. (Exercise your right to save with Apple offers.)

Roku HD

If your giftee doesn’t have the cash for cable TV, chances are he or she is a fan of streaming shows and movies on the computer. Access nearly every single streaming service, from Amazon Instant Video to Netflix, with the aid of a Roku HD Streaming Player ($59.99 at Roku). Bonus: This device is ultra-affordable. (Get $10 off plus free shipping with this Roku sale.)

COVER IT

iPad Mini Cases

There are a million iPad Minis now roaming the world without nary a cover to protect them. Scary! Get a case as cute as the Mini itself. X-Doria sells the SmartStyle Series ($39.99 each), which boasts four major styles—herringbone, cubes, honeycomb and bloom—and features a stylish, puff-printed protective cover. You can also prop it up or lean it back for watching or reading.

The Pogo Connect ($79.95) from Ten One Design is a Bluetooth pen that lets you draw, write and doodle on your iPad. The Connect is engineered so that if you’re a lefty like me and have to rest your wrist, the iPad will ignore the fact that your hand or palm is touching the device. The stylus is triple-A-battery-powered and will last for months.

Griffin Technology Stylus

If you’d rather not get paw prints all over your device, use a Griffin Stylus ($19.99) to swipe or move things around as well as take notes, draw or make changes in photo apps. No batteries are necessary, and the stylus comes in a myriad of colors. Also, it works with a bazillion devices, from the iPhone and BlackBerry Storm to the HTC EVO and Samsung Galaxy Tab. (Save 20 percent off your order with this Griffin Technology coupon.)

CHARGE IT

Mojo Hi5

If you’re an iPhone power user, chances are you’re running out of battery way before the end of the day. Extend your battery life with the Mojo Hi5 Power Bank Case for iPhone 5 ($79.90 at Amazon). This battery-charging case is one of the slimmest on the market. Sure, you’ll have to deal with a little extra weight and size, but the Mojo will nearly double your phone’s battery life, making the trade-off well worth it. (Get Amazon offers.)

Griffin Technology PowerJolt SE With Lightning Connector

Although Apple meant well, the lamest thing the company did this year was change the charging port from the thing it’s been forever to the Lightning connector. Yeah, it saves space, is faster, yadda, yadda, but now you need all new dongles—including your car charger. Luckily, Griffin’s PowerJolt SE with Lightning Connector ($24.99) will charge up all the latest iDevices that have the new port. (Get 20 percent off and free shipping with this Griffin Technology coupon.)

WEIGH IT

Wahoo Fitness Balance Smartphone Scale

Dieting stinks and exercise is a chore, but they’re both infinitely better and more fun when you can make a game of it by using an app to track your progress. The Wahoo Balance Smartphone Scale ($99.99 at Apple) will sync with your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or iPad Mini to track your BMI and keep tally of your daily weigh-ins with one of the eight compatible apps. (Save on the apps with Apple sales.)

CALL IT

Swissvoice Dect Handset Landline Telephone: Who has a home phone anymore? I do. And I bet one of your holiday recipients does too. Why let cell phone owners have all the fun with design and tech? With its strong bold lines and futuristic body reminiscent of old-school handsets, the Swissvoice Dect Handset Landline Telephone ($99.99 at Amazon) is one of the coolest-looking objects I’ve seen.